
Is the road to Ørnesvingen paved?
Norway, europe
7.3 km
620 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in western Norway, about to tackle the legendary "Eagle Road," or Ørnesvingen. Yep, it's paved the whole way, so no need to worry about gravel.
Starting in Geiranger, you've got about 7.3 kilometers (a little over 4.5 miles) of pure driving bliss ahead of you… and by bliss, I mean seriously twisty fun! This isn't a road for the faint of heart. We're talking eleven hairpin bends as you climb from the fjord floor all the way up to Korsmyra, a whopping 620 meters (over 2,000 feet!) above sea level. Hold on tight, because in some parts, the road gets seriously steep – a one in ten incline!
Just a heads-up if you're rolling in a mega-bus: the parking at the top is tiny, and anything over 15 meters long is a no-go. Plus, if you're visiting in May, double-check that the whole road is open.
This road was officially opened back in 1955, and trust me, the builders knew what they were doing. The last turn before the top reveals *the* money shot: a ridiculously gorgeous view of the Geirangerfjord, the iconic Seven Sisters waterfall, and the charming village of Geiranger itself. Get ready to have your breath taken away!
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 620 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardScoiattoli Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Northern Italy, smack-dab in the Dolomites, headed for Rifugio Scoiattoli – a mountain hut perched way up at 7,404 feet! The drive up is a real adventure, a mere 1 kilometer but totally worth it. Forget paved roads, you're on a narrow, unpaved ski-station service road, so a 4x4 is a must! The views over the 5 Torri area? Absolutely breathtaking! You're not just driving; you're cruising through history. This whole area was a WWI battleground, and you can practically feel it. Plus, you're right next to the Great War Open Museum! Trust me, the incredible views from up there? You won't regret the trek!
hardWhere is Passo della Mulattiera?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about Passo della Mulattiera, a crazy high mountain pass chilling at 2,412 meters (7,913 feet) in the Turin province of Italy's Piedmont region. You'll find this gem nestled near the French border, right by Bardonecchia in the Susa Valley. Getting there? Buckle up, because the road is unpaved, rocky, and seriously narrow. Think old military road turned mule track – built way back in 1939, and ending right at the pass. You can kick things off in Bardonecchia, winding through Mount Colomion, or hop on midway from Beaulard. Is it worth it? Absolutely! At the top, you'll stumble upon a massive barrack ruin. Plus, this trail cruises through seriously remote areas, so come prepared! Perched just below the stunning Punta Charra cliff (2,844 m), south of Bardonecchia, you're treated to killer panoramic views. We're talking the Valle Stretta (Vallée Étroite in French), and all the surrounding mountains of the Bardonecchia, Beaulard, and Oulx valleys. Trust me, the views are worth the white-knuckle drive!
moderateHow long is Ponti di Vara?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in Tuscany, near the marble mecca of Carrara. Forget your GPS, because you're about to experience Galleria Ponti di Vara, a wild 5.5km (3.41 mile) one-way ride from Miseglia to a working quarry. This isn’t just any road; it’s a historic bridge, the Vara Bridge, that used to be a railway tunnel built in 1876! Originally designed to transport marble, this entirely paved route now carries modern trucks loaded with that same precious stone. The bridge itself stretches 109m (359ft) across the valley, reaching a height of 38 meters. Check out its five semicircular arches, each spanning 16 meters – seriously impressive. But here's the catch: This isn’t your average scenic drive. The road is narrow and packed with unlit tunnels! Talk about an adventure. This area also has quite the history; the bridge was almost blown up by angry marble workers back in the 30's! Plus, this iconic spot was featured in the James Bond film, "Quantum of Solace," so you know it's got the drama.
hardDriving Coll de Soller: a thrilling road experience with 52 hairpin turns in Mallorca
🇪🇸 Spain
# Coll de Soller: Mallorca's Ultimate Mountain Pass Experience If you're cycling through Mallorca, Coll de Soller is absolutely on the must-do list. Perched at 508m (1,666ft) in the stunning Tramuntana range on the island's northern coast, this 10.7 km (6.64 miles) stretch along MA-11A is genuinely unforgettable. Fair warning: this isn't a gentle cruise. You'll navigate 52 hairpin turns with gradients reaching a leg-burning 12.7%, so if you're prone to motion sickness, maybe take it slow or grab a co-pilot who doesn't mind white knuckles. The road's totally paved, though you'll spot some cracking here and there. Oh, and watch out for goats casually hanging out on the asphalt—they're part of the charm! The views? Absolutely worth every switchback. You'll ride with sea views to the north and sweeping vistas of Palma and the island spreading out below you to the south. It's the kind of panorama that makes you forget how much your legs hurt. Since the fancy Sóller-Palma Tunnel opened in 1997 (sorry, cars only!), this winding beauty has become beautifully quiet—mainly just cyclists now. Most riders take 25-35 minutes to summit, though summer crowds and holidays can slow things down. The road stays open year-round, and there are a couple of summit restaurants (Dalt d'es Coll and Ca'n Topa) for well-deserved refueling, though they keep seasonal hours. Ready to conquer it?